Step into Our World !
From the Tour de France (twice!) to running walking and cycling with the greats, from light festivals and fireworks, through to mass participation charitable trials, from Tour de Yorkshire, Pedal for Scotland, World Champs and other top level cycling spectaculars through to brand activation & roadshows, from Clippers and Tall ships races to working with military ships, awards shows & conferences, mega music festivals, and adrenaline inducing ‘ironman type’ bespoke challenges – the PE team has done it all and continuous to push the boundaries to create, guide and deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences with tangible ROI.
Pennine Events has been operating for 20+, brings 100+ years of combined experience in Live events, and a team that has delivered over 600 events. We even received an Outstanding commendation from North Yorkshire Metropolitan Police, alongside other incredible recognition such as being named Best UK Sports event, receiving Gold for Event Excellence, and even an incredible Gold for Best event by the Chartered Institute for Public Relations. Most Recently Pennine Events were awarded the prestigious ‘Event Organiser of the Year, 2023- Private Sector’ award be the National Outdoor Event Association.
With over 25 years’ experience, owner Mark champions the industry as a whole, through his seat as council member on the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) and additionally, we provide training, produce management material and documentation, provide a full inhouse marketing and communications service, and event consultancy support for a range of local authorities, large organisations, third sector causes and event operators.
We thrive on new and innovative ideas, and always take an entrepreneurial and strategic approach to ensure all our clients’ objectives are successfully reached.
Welcome to our world #WeArePennineEvents
The Team
Mark
Sandamas
Bringing almost a lifetime of expertise in all aspects of Live events planning, implementation and delivery -combined with a true passion for sports- Mark founded Pennine Events Ltd over 18 years ago, and continues to be a leading figurehead in the industry for some of the UK’s largest and most complex project and events. Mark also champions and supports the industry as whole, through his council seat with the National Outdoor Association (NOEA) and is also managing director of C2C Packhorse, the leading operator of holidays and tours on the World-famous Coast to Coast trail.
Alissa
Koopal
CEO
Alissa has developed and delivered multiple successful high-profile major and mega events and community and CSR strategies such as PE’s contract as Silverstone Race Circuit’s official Sporting Partner, and creating a symbiotic ecosystem between the venue, sports, talent development and the local community alongside raising the venue’s profile in the industry and ensuring a long-term legacy. Most Recently, Alissa took on the role of Event and Project Director across PE’s contract to deliver three of the thirteen 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, executing a seamless delivery across all three championships, simultaneously.
She has previously led the commercial & marketing arm as part of the senior team at Culture Liverpool at Liverpool City Council, Including developing the ‘Mayoral Club’ on behalf of the Mayor of Liverpool.
A highly skilled project manager and account director with focus on all elements of each project and ROI for the client.
Keith
Rice
After retiring from the Merseyside Police, Keith has brought unparalleled expertise to some of the UK’s largest Live events, and brings a unique key viewpoint from all 3 sides (Blue light services, Local Authority, and event organiser).
From working for the London Organising Committee of the Olympics Games (LOCOG), through to Mega music events, The Queen’s diamond Jubilee celebrations, large scale sports spectaculars such as Tour de France, Tour de Yorkshire, leading on the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and many of the UK’s leading cultural and community celebrations such as key roles within large parades.
Keith also develops and delivers training to large organisations and local authorities in multiple disciplines, such as SAG, brings an MSc in events Management and is a technical member of IOSH and our in-house Health & Safety manager.
Pollyanna
Roberts
As an Event manager across the sport, entertainment and charity sector, Polly has planned and delivered an array of major and mega events.
From walking, running, and cycling challenges and and array of mass participation events, to gala dinners and royal lunches, Polly brings a wealth of experience to Pennine Events. Most recently, Polly delivered the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as Event Services Operations Manager, followed by her role as Deputy Event Manager at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Para-Cycling Individual Time Trials and Road Races.
Polly has attained several qualifications including IOSH Managing Safely, Highfield Level 3 Extended Certificate in Spectator Safety Supervision and an MSc in Sports Business Management. In her latest endeavour, Polly has been appointed to the sub-committee of Yorkshire Netball Board to develop volunteering opportunities in netball.
Marie-Lou
Frieden
Event Co-ordinator
Within the last 10+ years, Marie-Lou implemented new artist liaison practices at grassroots festival, Threshold Festival of Music & Arts as well as improving processes for staffing for matchday events at LFC.
Marie-Lou brings a unique perspective to delivering events when combining her passion for arts and culture in the local community and her experience working in both customer-facing and operational roles at high profile festivals such as Glastonbury and Boomtown.
Through her attention to detail, meticulous execution and experience as Production Assistant during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Marie-Lou brings a sense of calm and organisation to the notoriously hectic process of procurement, production, and logistics in live events.
Jack
Davis
Event Co-ordinator
Recently graduating from university with a first class honours in Sports Business Management, Jack brings a fresh outlook on the industry to Pennine Events.
Jack has gained a wealth of experience in the outdoor events industry including the delivery of several major and mega events including The Women’s Euros 2022 and the Rugby World League Club, topped with his most recent experience working on the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships with Pennine Events.
Combined with his passion for sports and fitness and his academic success, Jack is highly skilled when it comes to planning, producing and delivering events. With a methodical approach towards procurement, supplier management, production and logistics, combined with his strong site presence, and his creativity Jack is paving the way for the next generation of event professionals.
Sophie
Taylor
Marketing and Commercial Manager
Sophie takes a strategic approach to all things marketing and commercial at Pennine Events, from marketing plans and proposals to budgets and partnerships.
Having produced multi-brand proposals and over seen the successful delivery of the projects, Sophie is accomplished in delivering complex marketing and commercial strategies across the event industry. Coupled with her background in non-traditional marketing techniques and the ethical implications attached as well as their effect on brand image and consumer behaviour, Sophie adds a creative and innovate edge to all marketing and commercial projects as well as developing and delivering tech solutions and registration systems across Pennine Event’s owned events and on behalf of clients.
James
Booton
Marketing and Commercial Assistant
Coming from the music and festival industry, James is an experienced Marketing and commercial professional. Possessing a degree in journalism and a passion for creative writing, he is the voice and personality behind all campaigns and PR. James has a vast amount of experience in the music industry, having previously project managed national and international marketing campaigns, commercial partnerships and tech solutions for multiple music festivals, conferences, youth projects and educational programmes across the UK and America. Running and writing his own music magazine and brand, James is a talented and committed asset to the Pennine Team, who brings an edge to everything he does at the company.